On October 23, 2026, Mali's Minister of National Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Vocational Training, Oumou Sall Seck, presided over a ceremony to bid farewell to 23 students who will undergo vocational training in China. This initiative marks the first of its kind under the Mali-China cooperation agreement and aims to develop skills, enhance employability, and strengthen the country's human capital.
The program aligns with the vision of Mali's transitional authorities, led by General Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition, and implemented by the government under the leadership of General Abdoulaye Maïga, Prime Minister. The initiative seeks to make vocational training a key driver of economic development and sovereignty. Minister Seck commended the quality of cooperation with China and reiterated her department's commitment to consolidating partnerships that benefit Malian youth.
The Chinese Ambassador to Mali, Liu Kaiyuan, praised the leadership and commitment of Minister Seck and the efforts of Malian structures involved in the cooperation. He highlighted the importance of vocational training in developing human resources and enabling young people to contribute to their country's economic transformation. The ambassador also noted the success of the Sénou Vocational Training Center, which has trained over 2,000 Malian youth since its opening in 2021.
The Sénou Vocational Training Center, supported by China, is one of the key projects under the Mali-China cooperation agreement. The center has been instrumental in providing vocational training to Malian youth, enhancing their employability and skills. The departure of the 23 students for China is a significant milestone in the cooperation between the two countries, focusing on capacity building and skills development.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Yacouba Niantigui Coulibaly expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to make the most of the experience for their future and the development of Mali. The program is a significant step towards promoting vocational training, enhancing employability, and fostering sustainable partnerships that support Mali's economic sovereignty.
The Ministry of National Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Vocational Training (MENEFP) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality training, promoting employability, and developing lasting partnerships that serve Mali's economic interests. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation between Mali and China, with a focus on vocational training and technology transfer.
The cooperation between Mali and China is expected to expand, particularly in the areas of vocational training and technology transfer. The recent participation of Minister Seck in the Global Conference on the Development of Vocational Education and Training in China and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese side are expected to further enhance the partnership between the two countries.
Key points
- * 23 Malian students depart for China to pursue vocational training as part of a cooperation initiative between the two countries. * The program aims to develop skills, enhance employability, and strengthen Mali's human capital. * The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation between Mali and China, with a focus on vocational training and technology transfer.
